After months of preparation, the moment has arrived: The True Story Festival 2026 program is complete and now available online. Ticket sales have also opened – tickets can be purchased from today onwards. For everyone interested in true stories, bold investigations and the ways in which truth is told and brought to light, the festival weekend in Bern offers a diverse program of conversations, encounters and formats that invite discussion and reflection.
The True Story Festival brings together journalists, storytellers and curious audiences with a shared goal: to celebrate quality journalism and highlight the importance of press freedom. The program offers a behind-the-scenes look at investigations, opens up new perspectives and explores how stories are created that shape our understanding of the world.
A special highlight is Friday, which opens the festival weekend: With visits to school classes and a community afternoon for journalists, the festival creates space for exchange, learning and networking. The evening features one of the festival’s key moments: the presentation of the True Story Award in the three categories «Impact», «Storytelling» and «Research». The award recognises work that stands out through its integrity, craft and relevance – demonstrating what journalism can achieve when it is thorough, courageous and precise.
Throughout the weekend, a diverse program of talks, panels and selected workshops exploring the theme of «True Story» awaits you. Whether you are interested in investigative methods, the art of storytelling or the impact of journalism on society and politics, our program filters allow you to browse by topic, format and day and create your own personal festival journey.
Tickets are now available. Booking early helps you plan your festival experience and secure places in selected formats with limited capacity. We recommend getting your ticket in advance, especially if you are planning to attend the award ceremony or workshops.
All program and ticketing details are available online. We look forward to welcoming you to Bern from 5–7 June 2026 – for a weekend of true stories, inspiring questions and meaningful encounters that stay with you.
Note: We will regularly share further updates about the festival and the award on our website and through our newsletter.